This is an article on Yahoo! about a man stealing from the employee tip jar and, instead of pressing charges, the coffee shop is holding a food drive for him; assuming he must be having a difficult/desperate time. (In hopes that he’d come forward, he hasn’t been identified)

I guess there was a lot of controversy over whether this was a kind act of humanity or rewarding criminals. So I want to know what you all think!

I get what they (the coffee shop) are trying to get across, but I think this is the wrong circumstance to use. I don’t think this guy was desperate in a stealing-a-loaf-of-bread-for-his-family situation. I think he saw an opportunity, easily accessible cash, and went for it.

I really don’t have sympathy for him no matter how hard the times are. I have sympathy for the workers he stole from who are doing what is most likely a low paying job with little to no benefits to support THEIR families.

@ValerieBee03: to be completely honest, he’s probably just an ass hole that stole from the tip jar. he doesn’t look down on his luck and homeless to the point of needing a food drive. he looks like a thief.

i’m from a city with lots of homeless folks, and let me tell you, not once have i ever seen any of them even walk up to the counter in a starbucks or other shop, much less put their hand in the tip jar. a thief is a thief.

@ValerieBee03: I am on the fence. He would have to go back to get the food which he would only do if he needed it. So, you’re not rewarding the man who stole it if he doesn’t come back. It sends the message, “The only reason I can come up with for you stealing our tips is you’re homeless and need food… otherwise you’re a dick and I hope someone else finds out and you feel bad.”